Zeke misses plane to Cowboys’ camp
Running back Ezekiel Elliott called an audible on Thursday as the Dallas Cowboys set off for Oxnard, Calif., to begin training camp.
Elliott, who is entering the second-to-last year of his rookie contract, warned of a potential holdout earlier this month and didn’t board the team’s charter flight to California on Thursday afternoon.
Head coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday that Elliott was fully expected to join his teammates, noting the Pro Bowl running back gave the team no notice to the contrary.
Players have until Friday morning to be ready for physicals before they’re officially considered a noshow.
Elliott joins a number of high-profile players potentially opting to skip mandatory training camp workouts at the risk of team fines while looking to get a longterm contract. Chargers running back Melvin Gordon and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas were no-shows. Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner will reportedly attend training camp, but might sit out practices.
Elliott, who was the fourth overall selection by the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL draft, will make US$3.85 million in the upcoming season, with an option in 2020 for $9.1 million.
Meanwhile, the New York Jets came to terms with defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (No. 3 overall) and the 49ers agreed to a deal with second-round wide receiver Deebo Samuel, according to NFL Network. They were the only remaining unsigned players from the 2019 NFL draft class at the start of the day, with Samuel being the final one to sign.
Bosa, 21, notched 17½ sacks and 29 tackles for loss in 29 games with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Williams, 21, tallied 10 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in two seasons at Alabama.
Samuel, 23, caught 62 passes for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns last season at South Carolina.
GORE GOOD TO GO
Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore is off the non-football injury list and ready for training camp. The 36-year-old veteran missed the Miami Dolphins’ last two games in 2018 with a foot injury and was placed on the non-football injury list on Monday.
Gore passed his physical Thursday morning, according to general manager Brandon Beane.
Signed by Buffalo to a one-year, $2-million contract in March, Gore is expected to compete for carries with T.J. Yeldon and rookie Devin Singletary behind starter Lesean Mccoy.